Fresh Fruit

The summer season brings all kinds of fresh fruit - cantaloupes, watermelons, strawberries and blackberries to name just a few. While I won't miss the terrible heat, I will miss those seasonal yummies! God says we are to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His Name." (Hebrews 13:15). There is nothing "seasonal" about being grateful and expressing it! Gratitude is not a feeling, which are typically rooted in something temporal like the feeling we get from a hot shower after working in the yard or the smell and taste of your morning coffee. A heart of genuine gratitude will find God alone as its continual song of thankfulness. In Exodus 34 we read that on Mount Sinai, the LORD descended and stood with Moses and declared Himself "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; Who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, Who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin." (Verses 6-7 NASB). God alone - not simply what He does but who He is - we have reason to continually be grateful and speak of it. Such is our continual ... fresh fruit.

Be a Fountain

Many years ago while attending a convention in Texas, little-Danny was introduced to an outdoor fountain.  Inside the convention center, it didn't take long for boredom to set so he and I eased outside where a large inviting water fountain became a welcome playground [of sorts].  He was having so much fun, I wanted to join him!  By design, we are fountains!  There's an eternal Spring within each person who belongs to Christ: "God has poured out His Love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit." (Romans 5:5). The Holy Spirit within Believers is an endless and bountiful Source of God's Love and Compassion, and we're wrong to withhold these immeasurable graces from others.  In reality, if we are living a Spirit-filled life, these treasures will spill-to-overflowing in all we say and do ... much like a fountain.  Recently, I watched a bird bathe in a bird bath; it was naturally refreshed by the water. Consider the potential to be that splash of joy, that refreshment of Christ in the lives of your family, your co-workers, your neighbors, even strangers.  Our splashes can easily be showers of blessings to those who need a Touch of Christ. Look around and splash a few folks today!

Eternal Shepherd

The word "shepherd" warms my soul. He is one who leads, cares for and tends to the needs of ... yes, usually sheep. From all I've learned about sheep, they really-really need leading, caring for and tending to! Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10:14); the writer of Hebrews called Jesus the "Great Shepherd" (Hebrews 13:20); Peter wrote of Jesus as the "Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). I feel all Believers should find this heart-warming! Jesus assures us He knows the sheep which belong to Him and those same sheep know their Shepherd (John 10:14). Interestingly, the word "shepherd" is both a noun (person, place, thing) and a verb (an action word). God has given His Church pastors to "shepherd" Jesus' flock in study, worship, fellowship, service and bring others to a relationship with Christ. Through the years, I've had to say "goodbye" to pastors as they have moved into other areas of ministry or retired; saying goodbye was sometimes tough. I anticipate the glorious day when I'm in the presence of The Shepherd of all shepherds: no more goodbyes - only hello to  my ... Eternal Shepherd.

Aroma of Christ

All things considered, God is a master-of-design! For example, it is crazy-incredible how something as simple as a smell can trigger a memory, bringing to mind a person or a place or an adventure long past. One of my favorite passages is from Ephesians 5: "Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example[, as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another - practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance." (Verses 1-2, AMP). It's a precious thing to watch a child mimic the actions of his father; never so precious, however, as a disciple of Jesus following His example! God said to the Prophet Ezekiel: "I will accept you [graciously] as a pleasant and soothing aroma when I bring you out from the peoples ... I will prove Myself holy and manifest My holiness among you in the sight of the nations." (Ezekiel 20:41 AMP). Those whom God has gloriously saved from spiritual death (the redeemed), He has called-out from the stench of the world into a separate life - a life that reflects the holiness of Christ. In other words, we look distinctively different and the sweet aroma and fragrance of Jesus is known among others. Much like a gardener who spends time day-after-day in the presence of roses, so the fragrance of Christ emanates from those who spend time in Jesus' Presence. Such a fragrance is pleasing to The Father - it is the ... aroma of Christ.

Persevere

What a quandary when we observe present prosperity of those who live apart from God!  Like the psalmist, we tend to be “envious of the arrogant.” (Psalm 73:2).  Truly, we [too] struggle to understand this when we hold to integrity in spite of testing circumstances.  If you listen carefully today, religious freedoms are at risk.  Like a delightful harvest from a late summer garden, Believers must keep the Lord’s end in view!  Knowing this: “For the Lord will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants.” (Psalm 135:14).  A sure and delightful end is promised to those who remain “pure in heart” (Psalm 73:1).  Whatever your struggle or circumstance – However deep your grief and pain … do not lose heart!  Just as the day comes for the wicked, the glorious day of reward comes to those who stay true to God and persevere! Be of good courage ... persevere!